MEP David McAllister, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, says the international community needs to send a clear message to North Korea. He supports the tightening of economic sanctions against Pyongyang after its latest nuclear tests.

Transcript:

The whole situation is very alarming. The latest nuclear test in North Korea is a severe violation of the country's obligations to stop testing and producing nuclear weapons. It's a major provocation and it is also a large threat not only to regional, but also to international security. The message of the European Union is clear: we want North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and also the ballistic missile programmes. We must solve this crisis diplomatically. It's the only solution possible and that's why the European Union supports the tightening of economic sanctions on the regime in Pyongyang I believe if we, for instance, further tighten the supply of oil to North Korea that will have a major impact on the economy, and in the end, on the regime in North Korea. I think what we really need now is a clear message from the international world, not only from the Europeans and the Americans, but also Russia will play a key role and certainly China. And China must make very clear to North Korea that this major provocation is unacceptable. Of course, the European Union is not a direct player in the region, but as a soft power with diplomatic skills and economic influence, we can of course also play a role and the European Union has also offered to facilitate a dialogue between the parties if this is requested.

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